The West Virginia
Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health is
encouraging residents to take precautions while returning to their homes to
begin clean up to reduce injury and illness.
“Disease
producing bacteria are often carried by flood water and sewage,” said Dr. Rahul
Gupta, State Health officer and Commissioner of the Bureau for Public
Health. “These bacteria can remain alive and dangerous for long periods
of time on items covered or exposed to flood water or sewage.”
After the
flood waters have receded:
Before
beginning any clean up activities make sure electricity and gas is turned off
to the house.
Follow the
instructions of the utility companies relative to restoration of gas and
electrical services.
Before
entering any house or building that has been flooded, check for foundation
cracks or
shifting of the house on the foundation.
Drain or
pump water out of flooded basements. (Don’t pump out basements too soon
after flood
water has receded as the water soaked ground could cause the collapse of
basement walls.)
Hose down
all floors, walls and ceilings with clean water, both basement and house.
This should be done before the surfaces dry, if possible.
Scrub all
surfaces using soap or detergent and clean water (preferably hot).
Disinfect
surfaces with a solution of bleach (4 tablespoons of bleach per one gallon of
clean water).
To protect
your health while working in flood clean-up:
1.
While working, keep hands away from mouth and face.
2.
Disinfect all wounds and dress them immediately.
3.
Wear protective clothing (rubber boots, rubber gloves and eye protection).
4.
Wash hands often using clean water and soap.
“It is
important to remember that clothing and some furniture and household
furnishings can be salvaged by cleaning and disinfecting,” Gupta added. “However,
residents should discard whatever item cannot be cleaned and dried.
Mattresses, for example, should be discarded.”